(Remastered 22/10/2021)
And here is the first reply to In Your Hands.
I say "first" because I've found another one, When I Try To Be Me, that Mrs R says I have to do too... but that's unlikely to be the next one I post because I'm working…
(Remastered 22/10/2021)
OK, let's delve once more into the magical shoebox of unused songs...
I've already recorded several that were written in 1994 (Sleeping with the Ghost, Elizabeth's Room, With Mum Again, If You Knew, A Hundred and…
(Remastered 22/10/2021)
And here we go - Edith FINALLY gets it...
Actually, she's been getting it ever since I wrote it on the 29th May. I thought it would take a week or so, but it proved to be more of a fight than I was expecting.
On…
(Remastered 22/10/2021)
Here it is in all of its glory...
THIS is the song that Mrs R and I had decided was a suitable response to a request to "Upload something HAPPY, stat!!!!!!!!!"
I tried to record it back in 2013 when I wrote it…
I was once asked to write a happy song. It turned out to be about a woman who killed herself and when I found out THAT SHE ACTUALLY KILLED HERSELF I wasn't sure what to think about my premonition.https://alonetone.com/jamesmichaeltaylor/tracks/a-happy-song. THEN, later an old friend asked if I had any happy songs so I wrote this:https://alonetone.com/jamesmichaeltaylor/tracks/if-it-makes-you-happy-092914-1
(Remastered 22/10/2021)
I was asked (told?) to upload something happy. Hmmm, I thought. This will end well...
So, a few days later, I was rehearsing a pleasant little thing I wrote several years ago that has a working title of "She Was…
(Remastered 22/10/2021)
Here's the very latest from the broom-cupboard.
I wrote it one dark night over 23 years ago.
****
**All I Have To Do - A A J Russe**
There isn’t much time to get this out
You won’t hear me if I have to…
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Okies, so I'm working on some other thing and it's taking a while... drums to do and wotnot. But in the middle of it I'm digging how my Martin acoustic is working out. You probs won't even be able to hear it amongst…
(Remastered 22/10/2021)
I wrote this one last September.
Allison Jane Sixsmith 1965-2016.
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**Forever - A A J Russe**
I can see you on your rocking horse now
The one that turned around and kicked you in the teeth
He thought…
I hear you’re drinking at the chocolate fountain
You pulled the handle off the door
But they won’t mind
They’ll be mending it forever..." Great images...
(Remastered 22/10/2021)
I wasn't even sure the recording machine was still going to work after nearly five years... Certainly, bits of me don't work anymore... But, surprisingly, I got this done in 24 hours, start to finish... Strange old world…
As If It Really Matters - A A J Russe
Written 16th January 1999
Recorded 12th March 2022
The Shoebox Demos Vol 1
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Crumbs, even this is 23 years old!
We used it as a set-opener in the last band I was in.
I've been trying to make…
Gates Of Heaven - A A J Russe
Written 15th January 1988
Recorded 6th March 2022
The Shoebox Demos Vol 1
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This is about as naked as I can get.
This is how I wrote it. It's never had any accompaniment.
I was a bit young to sing…
As If It Really Matters - A A J Russe
Written 16th January 1999
Recorded 12th March 2022
The Shoebox Demos Vol 1
****
Crumbs, even this is 23 years old!
We used it as a set-opener in the last band I was in.
I've been trying to make…
No-one To Blame - A A J Russe
Written 1st January 1988
Recorded 6th March 2022
The Shoebox Demos Vol 1
****
Nearly forgot to post this one! (it's been a busy week at work)
I was 24 when I wrote it. What more can I say…
What's really cool about these songs written long ago is that you are still able to remember the melody... I'm always having to remember my own music. I really like this one! Wise words of a twenty something... wiser that his years!
Who Is My Neighbour - A A J Russe
Written sometime in 1992
Recorded 12th March 2022
The Shoebox Demos Vol 1
****
I wrote this 30 years ago when I was 29. There were a bunch of people killing other people. There were refugees.
By the…
As If It Really Matters - A A J Russe
Written 16th January 1999
Recorded 12th March 2022
The Shoebox Demos Vol 1
****
Crumbs, even this is 23 years old!
We used it as a set-opener in the last band I was in.
I've been trying to make…
**Song-writing Demo for FAWM 2022**
Song number 15
Written Wednesday 23rd February 2022
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I wasn't able to stop! I really meant to, but... Oh well.
It's still February, so it can go with the others.
IT IS MY FIRM INTENTION TO…
Congratulations!!!! Ended with another amazing tune - YES! That is a wealth of creativity in you my friend. I look forward to hearing all your other tunes. I hope you took a good rest after all this!!!
**Song-writing Demo for FAWM 2022**
Song number 14
Written Monday 21st February 2022
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This is it ... FAWM's all finished for me... time for a lie down now.
There's still nearly a week to go, but I'm done, 14 songs written in 16…
Amazing how this came towards the end of the challenge...simply gorgeous. I don't hear any fatigue in it. A sad song though and I'm imagining the story behind it. Beautiful.
**Song-writing Demo for FAWM 2022**
Song number 13
Written Saturday 19th February 2022
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UPDATE: 8 Hours after posting I just spotted that I listened to and favourited a song called... um... "We're Done" by oldfolks2 - check it out…
This is another great one!!! and catchy too. I also loved hearing your description of how this came about - I totally relate!!! I actually don't like most of my own songs. This song captures the spirit of these challenges :)
**Song-writing Demo for FAWM 2022**
Song number 11
Written Thursday 17th February 2022
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Feels like I'm on the last lap now. Only 3 more needed.
This one came from a suggestion from Mrs R this morning. I didn't quite fancy it, but…
**Song-writing Demo for FAWM 2022**
Song number 10
Written Wednesday 16th February 2022
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I've had the little guitar bit in the middle for years and years and years.
Even my wife recognises it, I play it so often.
Yesterday while…
Well my friends life has been busy. Needed a break tonight and jumped in the car for a drive. One of those, don't know where your going just want to listen to music and relax kind of rides. Headed out and found myself on an old county road through…
All about my business I just closed down. 'The Strip Joint', got myself a real job, employed & being paid !!!!! Mind you, most likely I'll have the pants sued off me & I'll end up a bankrupt......That's life...........
You had a strip joint?!
And you closed the place down without inviting us all for a last (free) farewell party?
Shame... lol
Nice one. Love the groove.
t twenty, life was all planned out.
Did everything they said to do.
Stopped thinking for myself and turned my will over to you.
Ten years later, I was gone.
You'd stolen my identity.
I tried to pick the pieces up, but there was nothing left of…
time goes by, we never notice til we die
this is the why, the how the where the goodbye
maybe the preacher told you right from wrong
maybe you think the wait is far too long
to worry your head with every little thing
cause life is just a dream…
Who says that I define you?
Who says I should label you?
Who says I should shelter you? Who says i should restrict you?
Who says I should limit you? Who says i should hold back you?
There is no user guide.
There is no yellow brick road.
There…
fading slowly
i'll disappear, and you won't even notice
it's just a trick the light plays on your face
and erase, the frowns of worry
might be less and growing more less every day
hurry now, oh boy, you'd better hurry
now here, is where…
Rough mix of a work in progress that has been gestating since late May 2013. still working out the lyrics/vocal parts. dunno if there will eventually be keys and/or synths.
Ooh yeah, I'm with James on this - I can hear Paul Rodgers... Really nice vocal. I've got a feeling you can push it up a bit higher in the mix.
Nice one.
A friend of mine is a director/scriptwriter, and asked me to do a version of "John Barleycorn Must Die" for his documentary on the Appalachian Trail. Instead of doing a cover of Traffic's version, I came up with my own version based on the original…
My instrumental cover of Christina Aguilera's song "Beautiful" I guess I am ready for the old folks home!!!! ...now that I am doing ballads!!!
I just happen to really like the chord progression and thought I would try an instrumental cover…
Ya big pu*%y!
Christina who? lol
Don't know the original - but sounds like she or her producer/someone listened to The Beatles a fair bit...
But you're right... fab chords. And I like what you've done with them.
From the early 70's...an old Crusaders tune with Larry Carlton..I bought this licensed backing track with no guitars....so the guitars are me... drums , Bass and keys are the backing track..
Comments on Andrew Russe's stuff
Simple and clear...
"Teddy bead kisses..." So sad.
Sounds like another suicide song to me... We can feel the pain in your voice.
I was once asked to write a happy song. It turned out to be about a woman who killed herself and when I found out THAT SHE ACTUALLY KILLED HERSELF I wasn't sure what to think about my premonition.https://alonetone.com/jamesmichaeltaylor/tracks/a-happy-song. THEN, later an old friend asked if I had any happy songs so I wrote this:https://alonetone.com/jamesmichaeltaylor/tracks/if-it-makes-you-happy-092914-1
"But still I love the comfort I find in misery…" Great line. Beatle like...and that's always good.
Great guitar sound.
Love this. Beautifully done. Tonight I was trying out a song from that era: Twilight Time...https://www.e-chords.com/chords/the-platters/twilight-time
I hear you’re drinking at the chocolate fountain You pulled the handle off the door But they won’t mind They’ll be mending it forever..." Great images...
Rock on Dude...! Good to listen to some of your tunes. It's been a while. Strange relationship in this song.
Another great song! Maybe it’s time to get the band back together!,!
Like it.
Beautiful piece.
What's really cool about these songs written long ago is that you are still able to remember the melody... I'm always having to remember my own music. I really like this one! Wise words of a twenty something... wiser that his years!
This is a universal message with a hauntingly sad melody. Everyone should be open to these words. Thank you Andrew.
The words really speak to me … as ever!
Congratulations!!!! Ended with another amazing tune - YES! That is a wealth of creativity in you my friend. I look forward to hearing all your other tunes. I hope you took a good rest after all this!!!
Amazing how this came towards the end of the challenge...simply gorgeous. I don't hear any fatigue in it. A sad song though and I'm imagining the story behind it. Beautiful.
This is another great one!!! and catchy too. I also loved hearing your description of how this came about - I totally relate!!! I actually don't like most of my own songs. This song captures the spirit of these challenges :)
I can't help but comment again! This is fabulous!!! Love how it came about - thank you Mrs. R.
What a loving ballad .....just perfect. That "little guitar bit" found its home :) Beautiful vocals here too.
Comments made by Andrew Russe
Not sure I'd have liked the drive... liking the jam, though
Tasty version.
You had a strip joint?! And you closed the place down without inviting us all for a last (free) farewell party? Shame... lol Nice one. Love the groove.
Wow!
Wonderful sounds.
Love what you guys are doing, looking forward to hearing more...
Lovely stuff.
Oh yes. Big thumbs up from me. I don't often go too deep into lyrics... (except my own when I'm trying to get them right!) - I love these, though.
Like this... LOTS
Wooo - I like what you've got so far
HUGE SOUND!!! Love it.
I've always loved this song - not sure why, though... I don't actually really "like" it! lol This is a fine version. Nice one.
Back for another listen. This is a monstrously cool cover/tribute.
Ooh yeah, I'm with James on this - I can hear Paul Rodgers... Really nice vocal. I've got a feeling you can push it up a bit higher in the mix. Nice one.
Nice one.
WOW! Consider it digged...
Ya big pu*%y! Christina who? lol Don't know the original - but sounds like she or her producer/someone listened to The Beatles a fair bit... But you're right... fab chords. And I like what you've done with them.
Superb
Like it. Not sure I know the original - it rings bells, though.
Oh yes, mighty fine geetaring.